What engine does BRZ use?
Today’s BRZ uses a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (a boxer layout) shared with Toyota’s GR86, while earlier models used a 2.0-liter flat-four. The 2.4-liter version is the current engine in production as of 2024–2025.
Engine history and current specification
The BRZ has evolved from an earlier 2.0-liter boxer to a larger 2.4-liter unit in its latest generation. This change was made to improve low-end torque and overall driveability while preserving the car’s low weight and balanced handling.
- 2012–2020: FA20D 2.0-liter flat-four; approximately 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
- 2022–present: FA24D 2.4-liter flat-four; approximately 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The shift from 2.0 L to 2.4 L was part of a mid-cycle refresh that aligned the BRZ with Toyota’s GR86, delivering stronger acceleration without sacrificing the model’s renowned balance and driving feel.
Boxer layout and its benefits
The BRZ uses a horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, a design that helps lower the center of gravity and improve ride and handling. This layout contributes to the BRZ’s famed cornering balance and communicative steering, advantages drivers notice on winding roads and track sessions alike.
Current powerplant details
The current BRZ’s 2.4-liter engine is a naturally aspirated flat-four developed with Toyota for the joint BRZ/GR86 platform. It delivers about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in most trims, with both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions offered. This engine marks a clear step up in torque and mid-range response compared with the earlier 2.0-liter setup.
Performance figures by generation
For quick reference, here are the headline figures by engine generation. These numbers illustrate the shift in power and torque as the model moved from the 2.0-liter to the 2.4-liter powerplant.
- 2.0 L (FA20D): ~200 hp, ~151 lb-ft
- 2.4 L (FA24D): ~228 hp, ~184 lb-ft
In practice, the 2.4-liter BRZ emphasizes stronger mid-range torque and improved drivability, while maintaining the light, balanced feel that defines the model line.
Summary
The BRZ is powered by a boxer-style four-cylinder engine. The current generation uses a 2.4-liter flat-four co-developed with Toyota (FA24D), delivering about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Earlier models used a 2.0-liter flat-four (FA20D). The engine’s boxer configuration underpins the BRZ’s light weight, low center of gravity, and renowned handling characteristics, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.
What engine is in a stock BRZ?
233 naturally aspirated horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque comes from the 2.4 liter, 16-valve boxer FA24 engine, providing a longer and meatier power band and does away with the infamous torque-dip in the FA20 according to our butt dynos.
Is the BRZ engine the same as the WRX engine?
No, while the BRZ and WRX share the same 2.4-liter engine block, the WRX's engine is turbocharged and significantly more powerful, while the BRZ's is naturally aspirated and tuned for a different driving experience. The WRX engine produces 271271271 horsepower and 258258258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the BRZ engine produces 228228228 horsepower and 184184184 lb-ft of torque.
Engine differences
- WRX: Uses a turbocharged version of the engine, resulting in higher horsepower and torque.
- BRZ: Uses the naturally aspirated version of the engine, with a different compression ratio, and is tuned for responsive, naturally aspirated performance.
Key takeaways
- Power: The WRX's turbocharged engine provides more power and torque for a more aggressive performance feel.
- Handling: The BRZ is a rear-wheel drive, lightweight coupe designed for agile handling, while the WRX is an all-wheel drive performance sedan with a stiffer suspension and higher grip limits.
- Application: The engine differences are a result of each car's intended purpose: the WRX as a rally-inspired performance sedan and the BRZ as a driver-focused sports coupe.
Does the BRZ have a FA20 engine?
The FA series engine was developed for the Subaru BRZ and the first FA engine, the FA20D, was designed to be mounted as low as possible and to minimize the polar moment of the chassis to improve dynamic response and handling.
What engine does the BRZ use?
2.4-liter flat-four engine
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of the BRZ is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
